The complete mitochondrial DNA of the carnivorous sponge is putatively complemented by microDNAs.

Carnivorous sponges (Porifera, Demospongiae, Cladorhizidae), contrary to the usual filter-feeding mechanism of sponges, are specialized in catching larger prey through adhesive surfaces or hook-like spicules. The mitochondrial DNA of sponges overall present several divergences from other metazoans, and while presenting unique features among major transitions, such as in calcarean and glass sponges, poriferan mitogenomes are relatively stable within their groups. Here, we report and discuss the mitogenome of (Vacelet & Boury-Esnault, 1996), which greatly vary from its subordinal counterparts in both structure and gene order.

Checklist, diversity descriptors and selected descriptions of a highly diverse intertidal sponge (Porifera) assemblage at Costa do Descobrimento (Bahia, Brazil).

Costa do Descobrimento is located in southern Bahia, Brazil, and only 22 species of sponges (Porifera) were known from the area until now, despite its important reef formations. In the present study, we report a checklist of the sponges of Costa do Descobrimento and their distribution in the studied reefs, with several species illustrated in life. We also describe nine new sponge records for this region, some of which are new records for Brazil, or new records of species previously only poorly known.

Two new species of Timea from the Southwest Atlantic (Timeidae, Demospongiae, Porifera).

Comprising 56 species, Timea Gray, 1867 belongs to the monotypic family Timeidae Gray, 1867, with both family and genus characterized by the presence of (sub)tylostyles as megascleres, and euasters as microscleres. Two new species are described from the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Timea berlincki sp. nov.